Research on opioids, addiction, and treatment. Covers traditional care practices, opioid treatment in pregnancy, illicit fentanyl, and treatment disparities.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that less than 15% of US college students can administer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Despite this, nearly 62% of students can identify signs of an overdose and nearly 67% feel comfortable calling emergency services.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
University of Birmingham researchers are developing a screening tool to identify patients most susceptible to persistent opioid usage after major surgery. The project aims to combine metabolic, neurobiological and cognitive profiles to predict patient responses to pain management, enabling clinicians to build targeted treatment plans.
Research found that one more job per 100 Black workers in a county was associated with .29 fewer overdose deaths per 100,000 Black Americans. The study suggests that economic context is critical to understanding the demand side of the drug epidemic among Black Americans.
A large study found a slightly increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders among children exposed to prescription opioids during pregnancy, particularly at higher doses and longer durations. However, the researchers interpret this as clinically insignificant.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
A new study from Texas A&M University explores the connections between workplace drug policies, mental health, and opioid misuse. Researchers found that punitive policies may exacerbate psychological distress and worsen existing health disparities.
Pediatric opioid overdoses show a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2019, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk populations include young children and adolescents, particularly males and those in urban teaching hospitals.
People with nonfatal opioid overdose who access peer support in emergency departments are more likely to initiate treatment and less likely to have repeated overdoses. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed the outcomes of a New Jersey-based program that connects patients with peer recovery specialists.
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.
The study reveals how opioid receptors stabilize a state for effective signal transmission, making superagonists potent and dangerous. It also highlights the importance of understanding molecular interactions for drug development and developing safer medicines.
A new study from Aarhus University investigates 327 deaths related to opioid overdoses in Denmark and finds that being alone increases the risk of fatal poisoning. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep as a precursor to opioid poisoning, particularly among young people.
Researchers at University of Waterloo found that nasal-administered naloxone is more cost-effective than current intramuscular version, potentially reducing opioid-related deaths. The study suggests that publicly funding intranasal naloxone distribution across Canada could save additional lives.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
The Oregon Poison Center has seen a dramatic increase in cases of young children exposed to fentanyl, with 539 cases managed in 2023, a 449% increase from 2016. The majority of exposures occurred at home, highlighting the need for education and awareness about preventing unintentional pediatric drug exposures.
Researchers found comparable pain management with less nausea-medication usage and reduced need for residential rehabilitation after hospital discharge. This switch also improved patient experience, enabling quicker return to daily activities.
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
A new study examines perceptions of US veterans treatment court team members regarding the program's viability and longevity. The researchers found that team members believe VTCs will continue to exist and expand, but face challenges in securing stable funding sources and maintaining buy-in from key individuals.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
Prescription opioids linked to increased risk of serious falls among adults, with older individuals most vulnerable. Targeted prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month after opioid initiation.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
Research suggests cannabis can help manage stimulant cravings in individuals at risk of overdose, with a notable reduction in crystal meth use observed among those who used cannabis for craving management. Further investigation is needed to understand the full potential of cannabis in addressing the overdose crisis.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that increased access to potentially lethal prescription opioids has made it easier for women to end their lives. The study also found that a shrinking federal safety net has contributed to rising suicide rates during tough economic times, particularly among all adults.
A positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth in a study of 251,000 pregnant patients. Minimizing opioid exposure during pregnancy is crucial to prevent spontaneous preterm delivery.
Pharmacist PDMP use fundamentally changed pharmacy work, interactions with patients and law enforcement, and roles. However, Chiarello argues that PDMPs are enforcement tools rather than healthcare tools, threatening the core of healthcare.
A real-world study published in Pain Practice found that patients with neuropathic back pain, postoperative/posttraumatic pain, or shingles experienced reduced pain intensity after multiple high-concentration capsaicin patch applications. The study also showed a significant reduction in opioid use among participants.
A clinical trial is underway to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stick with medication treatment. The trial uses a patient-administered wearable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms of both conditions.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that reducing homelessness by 25% can save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses. Strengthening social safety nets and increasing housing security could help curb growing deaths from drug and alcohol poisoning.
The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or with acetaminophen to manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults. The guideline also provides recommendations for prescribing opioid medications, emphasizing caution ...
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
Xylazine, a veterinary medication, has been found in the illicit opioid supply, rendering naloxone ineffective in treating overdose cases. Specialized addictions care remains crucial in addressing underlying substance use disorders.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A new study found that people with drug-related cardiac arrests in the U.S. were more likely to be younger and have fewer coexisting health conditions compared to non-drug-related cardiac arrests, which was a surprising finding given the increasing number of overdose deaths.
A recent study found disparities in access to integrative health and medicine, as well as nonpharmacologic therapies, among vulnerable populations with chronic pain. These findings highlight the need for policy changes to promote equitable access to these evidence-based modalities.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that opioid prescription limits are effective in reducing prescription length when set according to the type of doctor visit. The study, which analyzed data from West Virginia from 2017-2019, showed a significant reduction in prescription lengths for patients in hospital and outpatient settings.
A large study of 401,000 neonates found prenatal opioid exposure was associated with an increased risk of infection, eczema and dermatitis, and asthma. The findings highlight the need for further research into opioid-induced immune changes during pregnancy.
Researchers found that counties with higher uninsured rates and reduced access to mental health services have higher opioid prescriptions. Conversely, better healthcare quality was associated with a greater drop in opioid prescriptions over time.
A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.
Physicians who received notifications with additional planning guidance reduced prescriptions of opioids by nearly 13% and prescriptions of the anxiety medication benzodiazepines by more than 8%. The study suggests that providing physicians a simple plan to guide them at patient visits can help temper their use of these drugs.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that patients who received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during spinal surgery reported lower pain scores and requested fewer opioids. This could lead to a reduction in opioid use after surgery, a crucial step towards minimizing addictive potential.
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
A new study found that only about half of residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents have a bed immediately available, with the average daily cost per day of treatment being $878. The study also revealed that only seven states have a facility that accepts Medicaid, has a bed open the same day, and offers buprenorphine.
Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...
A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $29 million NIH grant to conduct a multicenter trial testing interventions to improve health outcomes in people who inject opioid drugs and are hospitalized with infectious complications. The study aims to reduce rehospitalizations and lower complications from infections.
A Rutgers study found that mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can improve women's emotion regulation and impulse control, reducing opioid cravings. The program boosted communication between brain areas involved in controlling negative emotions and drug cravings.
A randomized clinical trial found that Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) plus usual care significantly decreased drug use, pain, and depression in individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Participants who received MORE also showed increased methadone treatment retention and adherence.
Post-surgery pain relief has shifted away from opioids since 2016, with a 36% drop in prescription rates and 46% decrease in average amount of opioids. However, the rate of decline slowed after 2020, suggesting ongoing efforts are needed to right-size prescribing.
Opioid prescribing rates from US surgeons decreased between 2016 and 2022, but rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Larger prescription sizes were observed during the pandemic due to refills being difficult to obtain.
A new study by Columbia University researchers indicates that patients with expanded methadone access during the COVID pandemic are not more likely to overdose or drop out of care. The findings suggest that more flexible policies could help improve access to this life-saving treatment and close gaps in care.
A 20-year Australian study found no evidence that cannabis reduces illicit opioid use, and its effectiveness in managing opioid crisis is uncertain. The researchers suggest that clinicians and policymakers should exercise caution when relying on cannabis as a solution.
A new study will compare two treatment regimens: one using non-opioid medication and another with a low-dose opioid to determine the safest and most effective way to treat pain in adolescents and young adults recovering from common outpatient surgeries. The CARES for Kids study aims to generate evidence-based information on this topic.
A new pill-sized device has been developed to monitor vital signs like breathing and heart rate from inside humans. The device, known as the VM Pill, was tested in a clinical trial and showed accurate results in detecting breathing stops and monitoring respiration rates with high accuracy.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that younger patients and those with no prior experience with opioids are more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery. The researchers used data collected through automated text messages sent to 3,600 patients who underwent common surgical procedures.
A Rutgers study found that states with legalized medical marijuana experience a 0.5 to 1.5 percentage point decrease in regular nonmedical prescription opioid use among people who reported using opioids in the previous year. However, this reduction is concentrated in individuals with cannabis addiction, highlighting the need for compre...
A study by Brown University researchers found that government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers in New York City were not associated with a significant increase in crime. The analysis of five administrative datasets showed no changes in violent crimes, property crimes, or calls for emergency services in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
A new non-invasive pain management device has been shown to reduce opioid use after childbirth by nearly half. The study, conducted at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, found that the device was effective in managing post-cesarean pain without the need for opioids.